Solidago ‘Little Lemon’: Compact goldenrod for vibrant late-summer landscapes

I’ve always had a strong affection, appreciation and respect for goldenrods (Solidago sp.) in the landscape. This appreciation is tempered with a long-established wariness regarding their potential “robustness” in the landscape. Of course, their beauty and pollinator value are immense although aggressive establishment and spreading of certain goldenrod species should encourage further evaluation. While I’ve leaned on some of the larger species and cultivars of Solidago for that back-of-the-border application, proven pollinator value and impactful, late summer coloration, I’ve been smitten with Solidago Little Lemon for over 15 years now. Technically, the varietal name is ‘Dansolitlem’ although Little Lemon is used most often in the trade. While other compact selections of Solidago have become available over the years, I’ve tried them all and keep returning to Little Lemon as a known entity for performance, longevity and “knee-high” size.

Imagine utilizing goldenrod as an edger along the front of the border, along pathways and in other locations where a smaller stature option is warranted. Reaching only 12 to 18 inches tall and wide, the long-blooming Little Lemon features bright, lemon-yellow flower spikes presented prominently over a very compact plant. The basal branching habit of this diminutive hybrid results in upright, dense inflorescences created by collective masses of tiny, light-yellow flowers. Bees and butterflies will appreciate the later summer bloom window and available nectar. While this selection is deer resistant, there are mixed reports of rabbit damage, particularly in spring.

This selection, originally discovered by Gabriel Danziger, isn’t overly picky about soils and can tolerate poorer soils and even clay. Little Lemon is propagated by stem cuttings. Drainage is still important and full sun is a must for the best flowering performance. As with other goldenrods, this selection is also resistant to walnut toxicity challenges. This tidy selection has some use as a cut flower or in late-season containers and can even regenerate another flush of flowers into fall if the initial bloom is deadheaded past peak. While we have a wide range of perennial options for the edges of our sunny landscapes, why not add the Little Lemon goldenrod option into the mix?